Toten no Matsu and Shakushi no Shiba

Rokkaku Kyuzo (hexagonal depository of the scriptures)

Bifukumon-in, the Empress consort of the “cloistered emperor” Toba, who was forced to abdicate the throne and become a monk, had this structure built to pray for her late husband’s happiness in the next world. It once held the complete Buddhist scriptures copied in gold ink on blue paper (now stored at the Reihokan Museum).

Miyashiro

In year 10 of the Konin era (819 AD), Kobo Daishi prayed for the transfer of the tutelary deity from Amano-sha Shrine in the foothills of Mount Koya, and the deity ceremonially transferred to this site.

Sakasahi no Fuji (Inverted Wisteria)

Kishin Shonin, vowing to revitalize Mount Koya from a period of decline and decay, planted wisteria upside down along the road as an act of prayer. Astonishingly, the flowers bloomed, a harbinger of Mount Koya’s rebirth.

Junteido

Miedo (Great Portrait Hall)

Originally built as a hall for Kobo Daishi to enshrine his Buddhist images and train, it later went on to be used as a site to enshrine portraits of Kobo Daishi and his disciples, giving it the name it has today.

Mount Koya Taishi Kyokai

Nyonindo

Until the fifth year of Meiji (1872), women were strictly prohibited from entering the temple grounds proper. For this reason, dedicated places of worship were constructed alongside each entrance and called “Women’s Halls” (Nyonindo).